Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU: When a girl turns sweet 16 is usually time to celebrate. But for Danene Charlton, her party was delayed until two years later.

On Tuesday, December 26, 2006, Danene celebrated her 18th birthday with family, friends and specially invited guests in lavish style at her home in the posh community of Upton, St. Ann.

More than 300 persons joined in the celebration including Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding; U.K.-based defence criminal barrister Shaun Wallace; Leon Gordon, director of the Urban Development Corporation; Roydel Edwards, among others.

Danene is the eldest daughter of St. Ann businessman Lynson Charlton, managing director of Cornerstone Construction Company and Maureen Charlton.

lavished lifestyle

Mr. Charlton said he decided to give his daughter a grand party because he was trying to prepare her for the future. "She will not be impressed by material possessions because she was always a privileged child. She had one of the biggest christenings that any child ever had," Mr. Charlton said.

"I am trying to give her a lifestyle so that no one can come overnight to impress her with things that have no real meaning in life. If you expose your children to material things in life they will not be easily carried away by those who use these things to lure them down the wrong path," Charlton said.

Having obtained eight subjects while attending Westwood High School in Trelawny, the proud dad said Danene had a choice between love and education, but she chose the latter. She is a first-year student at the Stetson University in Florida, where she is pursuing a degree in biology.

Danene said she appreciated her parents throwing such lavish party for her. "I know they have put a lot into this. I am a well-behaved child so all my friends and relatives are here to prove how much they love me," a smiling Danene said.